Who is the student visa for?

This visa is for stays exceeding 90 days for studies, training, internships or voluntary work. This visa may also be issued for stays for au pairs and for conversation class assistants.

Study stays of less than 90 days do not require a study visa, although depending on the applicant’s nationality, a short-stay visa may be required.

The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the student:

• The spouse or unmarried partner.
• Children who are minors or who have a disability.

Visas for students’ family members do not constitute work permits.

What kind of activities qualify for a student visa?

Activities for which a study visa may be obtained:

• ​​​Full-time studies at an authorized school that will lead to the obtainment of a degree or certificate of studies.
• Doctorate studies.
• Training activities.
• Student mobility programmes at compulsory and/or non-compulsory secondary education level at an officially recognized teaching or scientific centre.
• Training placements at public or private bodies or entities that cannot be covered by internship visas (see “Internship visa”).
• Volunteer services in the framework of programmes pursuing public interest goals.
• Au pair programmes.
• Conversation class assistants.

Required documents for the student​​ ​​

1. National visa application form Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents or a duly accredited representative must sign the application.

2. Photograph. A recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.

3. Valid, unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must be valid at least for the duration of the planned stay and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.

​4. Proof of acceptance for the study, training or volunteer activity or internship. Original and a copy of the document proving:

• Acceptance at an authorized teaching centre to carry out a full-time study programme.
• Acceptance at a research or training centre.
• Acceptance into a student mobility programme (in this case, the applicant must also provide proof of acceptance at a study centre, of having found accommodation with a family or at an institution, and the commitment of the organizer of the programme to bear the costs).
• Acceptance for a non-remunerated internship on the basis of a signed agreement.
• An agreement with the organization responsible for the volunteer programme.

5. Proof of financial means. Original and a copy of the documents proving that the applicant (or their legal representative or the family member supporting them) has sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the student’s stay and return, as well as the stay and return of the family members accompanying them. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% of the IPREM for each additional family member. If proof is provided that accommodation for the entire stay has been paid for in advance, this amount will be deducted. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

These means can be justified by one or more of the following documents:

• Letter from the university covering all the costs of accommodation and meals (often included in the letter of acceptance).
• Proof of having obtained a scholarship for the specified time.
• Notarised document of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians, assuming all the costs associated with their studies in Spain. In this case it is necessary to submit the birth certificate or legal custody (duly legalised through the consular representations of the issuing country or, in the case of signatory countries to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, hold the Hague Apostille (except official documents issued by a Member State of the European Union, which will not require to be legalised), passport of the parent or legal guardian, letter from their employer specifying qualification, starting date and remuneration, and 6 months of bank statements (originals and stamped by bank).
• Proof of financial means with the submission of 6 months of bank statements (originals and stamped by bank).

6. Health insurance. Original and a copy of public or private health insurance policy contracted with an insurance company or institution authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain’s public health system and be totally exempted from any form of co-payment, reimbursement or waiting period. In case of contracting a policy with a responsibility limit, this limit can never be below 30.000 euros. Travel insurances will not be accepted, not even with a 30.000 euro coverage

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is accepted as medical insurance for all the student visas.

If the applicant is participating in a volunteer programme, in addition to the medical insurance, they must provide a copy of the civil liability insurance policy taken out by the organisation.​

7. Criminal record check certificate. Applicants of legal age who apply for a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, unless the certificate itself specifies a longer expiration.

For UK Criminal Records submit ACRO Certificate.

For language assistants, the ACRO International Child Protection Certificate is also accepted. This certificate cannot be older than 6 months, has to hold Hague Apostille and be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator

These certificates must be legalised through the consular representations of the issuing country or, in the case of signatory countries to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, hold the Hague Apostille, except official documents issued by a Member State of the European Union, which will not require to be legalised.

Sworn translation into Spanish is also required.

8. Medical certificate. Applicants requiring a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of a medical certificate accrediting that they do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

This certificate must be issued by a registered medical practitioner no later than 3 months prior to the date of application, it must be formulated in the following terms or similarly:

• If the medical certificate is issued outside Spain: “This health certificate states that Mr./Mrs. (…) does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with what is stipulated by the International Health Regulations of 2005”

Certificates issued in a language different from Spanish must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish.

• If the medical certificate is issued in Spain: “Este certificado médico acredita que el Sr./Sra. (…) no padece ninguna de las enfermedades que pueden tener repercusiones para la salud pública graves, de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el reglamento sanitario internacional de 2005”

These certificates must hold the Hague Apostille (except documents issued by Spain, which will not require to be legalised).

9. Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must provide proof of their legal residence in the consular district or that they are attending classes, in person, in the consular district. Document where the applicant´s name and address appear, for example, bills, bank statements, driving licence, etc. Please confirm that you are eligible to apply at our Consulate by checking our Jurisdiction: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/es/Consulado/Paginas/Demarcacion.aspx​

10. Proof of the representative’s identity and capacity. If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to submit copies of the identity document or passport of one of their parents, as well as of the document constituting proof of kinship. The originals must be shown when submitting the application. If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the identity document or passport of the representative and of the power of attorney or document accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown when submitting the application. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

11. Authorization of legal representatives. If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to provide the original and a copy of the parents’ or guardians’ authorization of the minor’s temporary relocation to Spain, certified by a notary, which must also name the individual who will be responsible for the minor in Spain. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

12. Payment of the visa fee. Visa fee payment is compulsory and has to be made at the same time when submitting a visa application. The fee has to be paid in local currency and it is subject to regular changes due to the currency fluctuations. Please check the list of Consular fees.

Required documents for family members​

For each family member accompanying the student, the following must be submitted:

The documents listed above as 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. Where applicable, 10 must also be provided.
Moreover, the certificates proving kinship with the student (marriage certificate, unmarried couple certificate, or birth certificate, as applicable) must be provided. Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.

Language assistants

In addition to the documents required for a study visa the applicant has to provide the appointment letter issued by the competent department of the Ministry of Education of Spain with information regarding the assigned educational center’s address, phone number, contact person, email, duration of the program, as well as the insurance. Language assistants are exempt from submitting financial means and medical insurance if the official appointment specifies the amount of the salary and the availability of a health insurance taken out by the employer.

Au-pair visas

In addition to the documents required for a study visa the applicant has to provide original and photocopy of Au-pair agreement duly signed by both parties (host family and student).

Procedure​

Applying for a study visa also entails applying for a study stay permit.

Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. They may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.
Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance of the beginning of the pertinent study programmes, as the procedure entails consultations with other authorities.
Place of submission: The consulate or embassy serving your consular district

Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspxIt opens in new window
Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximum period of 2 months, counted as of the day after the date on which the favourable decision is notified. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.
Refusal of the visa or study stay permit: Refusals of the visa or study stay permit will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
Appeals: If a study stay permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. The appeal addressed to the Visa Department must be posted by Royal Mail or other courrier service provider to this Consulate.
An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

Validity period of the visa: If the study stay does not exceed 6 months, the visa will be valid for the entire stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

​If the study stay is for longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for a 90-day stay. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within a period of 1 month from their entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed